Contour lines never cross on the ground but in rare cases as an overhanging cliff they may cross on the map.

Contour Lines

Contour lines never cross on the ground but in rare cases as an overhanging cliff they may cross on…

A contour about to cross a stream runs up one side and down the other, making a V where it crosses, the angle of the V pointing up stream. Contour lines representing spurs between stream lines are generally U shaped with the bottom or rounded part of the U pointing down hill.

Contour Lines

A contour about to cross a stream runs up one side and down the other, making a V where it crosses,…

An illustration of a topographic map using conventional symbols commonly used in drafting and map drawing.

Topographic Map

An illustration of a topographic map using conventional symbols commonly used in drafting and map drawing.

An architect's landscape map of a Texas Park illustrating a combination of conventional topographic map symbols.

Topographic Architect Map

An architect's landscape map of a Texas Park illustrating a combination of conventional topographic…

A profile is cross sectional view, or side view, showing elevation at a given distance. The illustration shows both profiles with and without vertical exaggeration. A profile with vertical exaggeration is useful to distinguish the elevation of the land.

Topographic Profiles

A profile is cross sectional view, or side view, showing elevation at a given distance. The illustration…

Vertical interval is the difference in elevation between adjacent contours.

Vertical Interval

Vertical interval is the difference in elevation between adjacent contours.